Rays News and Notes: Zobrist’s Lofty Expectations

As I mentioned yesterday, Ben Zobrist became the last regular player to show up to camp, getting to Port Charlotte yesterday. That was big for the Rays, as that means all of the regulars came to camp before the Sunday deadline. The biggest news of the day wasn’t that Zobrist arrived, but it was what he said.

Everyone has big expectations for the Rays in 2012, but Zobrist became the first Ray that I’ve seen mention the World Series. Zobrist says the Rays are “planning on winning the World Series this year.” Those are big plans for Zobrist, but it is great to see Rays players with lofty goals. We can’t expect the Rays to win the World Series, as that is tough, but we know the Rays have the team to go deep, and maybe even live up to Zobrist’s lofty expectations.

Rays News and Notes

• In recent days we have seen a couple stories saying that Wade Davis would rather be traded than pitch out of the bullpen. Davis cleared that up a bit, telling Bill Chastain of MLB.com that he wants to be a part of the Rays, regardless of what happens. Davis could still be traded, as he could bring the biggest return of any of the starters, due to his contract extension.
• Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times has a story on Reid Brignac‘s hopes for a bounce-back season. Brignac was awful for the Rays last year, but the Rays really need him to step up, as they could really use a solid shortstop.
• Joe Smith of theTimes talks to Carl Crawford on game 162 and his disappointing 2011 season. Most Rays fans would like to see him continue to struggle, but it would be great to see him get back on track. CC did so much for the Rays in his time here, so I wish him nothing but success, just as long as the Red Sox are losing.
• The Bradenton Herald takes a look at the Orioles side of game 162. Without the Orioles 9th inning comeback, the Rays would’ve had to face the Red Sox in a tiebreaker, so we will always be happy for the Orioles big win.